Palm kernel cake from biodiesel production on Massai grass ensilage

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the best level of inclusion of palm kernel cake in massai grass silage by chemical-bromatological, fermentation index and forage value of the silage analysis. The experiment was conducted at Experimental Farm of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootec. The treatments were composed by massai grass cut at 40 days, chopped and added to 8%, 16% and 24% of palm kernel cake and the cake without additional treatment. After mixing, the material was compressed in experimental silos, which were opened after 60 days. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments and four replications. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and regression. The addition of palm kernel cake improve the chemical-bromatological and fermentation index of massai grass silage, beyond increase the forage value of silage. The best level of inclusion of palm kernel cake was 24%, for provided the biggest content of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract, beyond provided the lower content of fibrous fractions and reduction of the values of pH and ammoniacal nitrogen.